I use Utgard. I prefer their mages overall. And depending on what pretender you use (I prefer the Master Lich) it can be modified.

The important thing to remember is to take Order 3, or you won't be able to build the required numbers of Jotun to survive. Also with Utgard you can make Nature items, with the kind of scales you are choosing, being able to make extra supply items is vital as well as having some leaders who can command undead. Also it's nice to have a Norna around to stop some of those nasty misfortune events.